It was a noisy college canteen with an omnipresent recklessness around. But the fervor failed on two undergrads sitting at a corner table, two empty forms spread on the table between them.
“You should apply, you’ll get through easily”, said one.
“And then? Who will pay the fee? I need to start working immediately, there are family obligations”, replied the other. “But you should apply.” he added.
“I won’t clear it. Talk to your parents, you’ll easily get scholarship”, first one replied.
“They will happily agree, but I don’t want to add to their burdens”, he said sadly, “and come on, I know you will crack it, believe in yourself”.
“I know I can’t. I insist you take it up with your parents. Imagine the kind of money you’ll make after you do this!”
And the two friends continued to fence their lives with barbed wires for the rest of the afternoon, attempting to unwind the other’s all the while.
……………………
Exceeded the word limit by a stretch, but couldn’t trim further.
This prompt brought a lot of ideas, but because of lack of coherence in my thoughts of late, couldn’t do what I had planned to do with it when I had first seen it. I haven’t really used the prompt, but the first thought that came to my mind when I saw it – boundaries that we set around ourselves and use as excuses to not do something outside of our comfort zones. Analysis Paralysis as they appropriately call it!
A very fine prompt Madison! Stimulating! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Austere Alacrity 
I really liked the back and forth between the two characters and the unconditional support. I think you did a very nice job.
My own attempt can be found at http://whimsicalquestsofacuriousmind.blogspot.com/2012/04/friday-fictioneers-fence.html
Thanks for visiting. I am off to yours now! 🙂
The first part reminded me of a conversation we had recently.
Your disclaimer is a blog post in itself 😛
That conversation recently and I don’t know how many before that! 🙂
You made me count the disclaimer, it indeed stands at 99 words! LOL! 😀
“And the two friends continued to fence their lives with barbed wires for the rest of the afternoon, attempting to unwind the other’s all the while.”….sweet! Really enjoyed this! Here is my attempt…http://blog.tompoet.com/?p=312
Thanks… Am off to yours!
An excellent concept, building barriers round your own potential whilst trying to unlock others. Nice one.
Mine: http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/trespass/
Thanks Sandra… It is sad and yet so true!
Yes, sad that we are afraid to reach out to the skies because we confine ourselves behind barbed wires. Beautiful dialogue, and a different and certainly inspiring take on the prompt. MIne is here: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/fridayfictioneers-sobibor/
Yep… voluntary confinement! A great tragedy of the lives of many a men…
Thanks! 🙂
Self inflicted boundaries and excuses – what we could accomplish if we tore these things down. *sigh* I can relate to your characters…thanks for sharing.
~Susan (here’s mine: http://www.susanwenzel.com)
Thanks Susan. How unfortunate that we are our biggest hindrances in life!
I wish I could say differently in terms of relating with the characters…
Loved this. The last line brings it all to a perfect view. Really enjoyed it and don’t we all box ourselves in from time to time.
Mine’s here: http://bit.ly/I78fA3
Thanks Stacy. And you are right, we do box ourselves from time to time. Our greatest criticisms and pull downs I guess are self inflicted!
I have many times encountered insubstantial boundaries that proved more bothersome than actual fences. Delightful metaphorical take on the prompt.
Very well put! Thanks for visiting..
Very very interesting take on the picture! I like it. I don’t think anyone has written abou the metaphorical fence yet. Great work. I especially like the alliteration and the assonance at the beginning!
Thanks for your kind words! I am glad you enjoyed reading this… 🙂
This is a fascinating response to the picture and sadly true to life. We all put that barbed wire around our dreams, don’t we?
My only real critique is I would have liked the boys to have names – I think i’d have felt more for them and it would have saved you the cumbersome “the other said” elements.
I’m over here: http://elmowrites.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/friday-fiction-soul-memories/
Thanks for your generous comment.
You make a valid point. I had considered naming them but another thought kept me from doing that… Wouldn’t giving names have made it less generic in its nature?
I have been to your post already. Very good work, like every week! 🙂
I wondered if you were trying to make them “everyman” by going nameless. I personally think most readers are strong enough to see themselves even throgh named characters, but I take your point and it’s completely your decision.
I really like the idea of this and the metaphor you used. It is often like trying to unwind barbed wire when trying to help a friend. Well done!
http://susielindau.com/2012/04/27/life-interrupted-100-word-flash-fiction/
Thanks Susie. It is indeed! And sometimes you are yourself trapped in those wires! 🙂
The mind is an amazing tool. It can either hinder us, or set us free. Nicely done, Parul.
Here’s mine:
http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2012/04/another-200-words-for-fridayfictioneers.html
Siobhan
Thanks Siobhan.. 🙂
You did a great job in promoting critical thinking.
Glad you liked it. 🙂
It’s like watching two frenemies go at it. Each is well aware of each other’s strengths and weakness but both unwilling to take the next challenge with out each other. Excellent, as if the prize isn’t worth it unless they have a worthy competitor. I love it. Here’s mine: http://remakingme-atiyatownes.blogspot.com/2012/04/flash-fiction-clearing-wire.html
Thanks Atiya! 🙂
I agree with all the insightful remarks that have already been made. Great piece–good work!
Mine: http://www.vlgregory-circa1800.vpweb.com/blog.html
Thanks for stopping by!
Parul, yes, each saw himself as up against a wall — but didn’t view the other’s life that way. This is true to life — how we perceive things and act at times.
Thanks for stopping by Maria and for your kind comments… 🙂
Oh, I understand that. It’s hard stepping out of our comfort zone even if it means getting something we want. Nice thought.
Thanks! 🙂
This is certainly an original. Halfway through, I’m thinking…what does this have to do with the prompt? Then you hit us with that clever last line which tied it all together. Brilliant. Growing up, I wish I had a supportive pal like that. Here’s mine: http://www.triplemoonstar.blogspot.com
Glad it all worked out for you in the end! 🙂
Happy you liked it. I too wish I had a selflessly supporting pal in my growing years… Don’t come by very often do they? 🙂
Really great way to use the image.
Thanks for stopping by Sonia and appreciating! 🙂
Really good, Parul, both in idea and conception. Your best yet, I think.
Thanks Carlos for stopping by.
My best really? Glad you liked it so much! 🙂
This was very good, Parul. I had to read a few times. Your response to the photo shows the uniqueness of the human mind.
I felt this was a bit too distanced, and the barbed wire reference a bit too spelled out. I can see the story here, I just didn’t feel I was able to connect with it. What were they applying for? I needed a hook, personally speaking. Simply my humble opinion.
My entry is just over here: http://joannakneilson.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/flash-fiction-friday-wire-pilgrimage/